Jonas eased past her and opened the door. She stepped in behind him, closely followed by Ethan.
Only a few lanterns hanging from hooks on the wall illuminated the large room, and it took a moment for Ethan’s eyes to adjust to the dim light. To his left, three long dining tables had been placed side by side next to a smoke-stained fireplace. The walls were sparsely decorated with faded paintings and placards, and the clanking of pots and pans carried out from a door just beyond the front desk where a tall, thin man stood reading a tattered book.
He looked up and put down his book. “Three of you, is it?”
Jonas nodded.
“Three coppers per night for one room, five for two,” he continued. “Breakfast and dinner are included, but if you want midday meals it’s extra.”
“Sounds fair,” said Jonas.
“That’s in advance,” he added.
Jonas produced two silver coins. “I’m not sure how long we’ll be staying.”
The man jingled the coins in his hand and shrugged. “As long as you need.” He reached beneath the counter and retrieved a couple of keys. “Follow me.”
He led them to the far end of the dining hall and through a narrow door. Their rooms were only a few doors down on the right. The innkeeper handed Jonas the keys.
“You’ve missed breakfast,” he said. “And dinner won’t be ‘til sundown.”
Jonas nodded, then gave the man an extra copper who took it without courtesy.
The rooms were barren of décor, each furnished with only one large bed, a chair, and a single dresser. Kat raced inside the first one and jumped on the bed, bouncing playfully on her knees. “I think you two have some shopping to do,” she said. “I’ll be fine here.”
“Shopping for what?” asked Ethan.
“Clothes,” Jonas told him.
Ethan took stock of his ill-fitting attire. Yes. It was bad enough that his face looked like he had been in a prize fight. He did not need to give the appearance of having stolen someone else’s clothes as well.
After stowing their small packs in the next room, they left the inn together. It didn’t take long to find shops well suited to their needs. Ethan still had the coins Kat had swiped, and though he felt a bit guilty, used them to purchase a few comfortable shirts, pants, decent walking boots, and a new dagger.
It was well into the afternoon before they were finished, and the thought of supper had both of their stomachs growling as they made their way back to the inn. On drawing close, they saw a short, thin man with stringy black hair and dark complexion standing beside the front door. He was wearing a red shirt with white pants and well-shined boots, all clearly tailored to fit. In one hand he held a mug, while the other was fidgeting with a small silver knife.
Ethan tensed. There was something about him - something sinister that warned him this was a man not to be taken lightly, in spite of his slight build. Jonas slowed his pace.
The man caught sight of the duo approaching and flashed a toothy smile. “Ah. You must be the companions of my dear friend Kat.” He looked them up and down. “You fit the description perfectly.”
Ethan now regretted not changing his clothes in the shop. Jonas had suggested that he do so, but the lack of a private changing room had allowed his modesty to get the better of him.
“Kat?” said Jonas. “I don’t know anyone by that name.”
The man chuckled and drained his mug. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Jared. She might have mentioned me.”
Jonas’ eyes were burning. “Like I said, I don’t know anyone named Kat.”
Ignoring the obvious lie, Jared continued: “When you see her, tell her that she needs to come see me…soon.” He glanced at Jonas’ sword, his tone now turning dark and menacing. “That’s a very nice blade you have there. I wonder…can you use it?”
With the implied threat still hanging, he tossed the empty mug at Jonas and strode briskly away.
Ethan watched as Jared disappeared into the crowded walkway. Jonas threw the mug down, shattering it to pieces.
“Bloody lowlife scum,” he snarled.
They hurried inside and headed directly for Kat’s room. It was empty.
“She must have gotten out before he arrived,” Ethan said, the relief in his voice clear.
“No,” came a voice from behind him. It was Kat. Her smile was unable to hide the fear in her eyes. “When Jared came I hid under